#MondayMotivation Inspiration Sheri Davidson, L.Ac

DISH’S #MondayMotivation Inspiration Series kicks off with this amazing lady! She’s a puppy mom, a runner (the simple term “runner” doesn’t really describe her passion for the sport, and a health and wellness guru among other things. She LOVES her community and DISH loves her! Meet Sheri Davidson! Happy Monday, DISHIES!

NAME AND COMPANY NAME. My name is Sheri Davidson. My company is Element 5 OM, Acupuncture and Wellness Clinic

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS. I technically started in 2006 in Austin, TX but I like to say it all started when I moved back here in 2008. I currently have a boutique-style clinic located in Rice Village. I provide patient-centered care in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and health coaching. My most notable clients are the ones that have made Element 5 OM part of their healthcare system. I have been seeing many of my clients for years. I enjoy getting to know people and their history. Not only does this allow for more effective healthcare but it builds community. There is health in community.

Sherri Davidson with her latest accomplishment, A degree is Nutritional Studies

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN YOUR INDUSTRY? I received my undergrad in Interior design and architecture from the University of Houston. After graduating, I spent a couple years in Corporate design at PDR downtown. While in college, I became very interested in Japanese wooden houses. I loved the simplistic architecture, natural and uncluttered spaces and their connection to the outdoors. I appreciated the thoughtfulness that went into designing these houses. The art work would even change to represent the season. This introduced me to Eastern philosophy which lead me to martial arts. My martial arts instructor thought I would be good at Traditional Chinese Medicine. He brought me the information on the school in Houston. I registered and was on my way to getting a Masters of Oriental Medicine. That’s how I got started in the industry.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CREATE YOUR OWN? After graduating, I didn’t feel like I had a choice after but to start my own business. There were not many employers of Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. Whether I started my own clinic or rented a room from someone, I was in business for myself. Even though my initial intent was not to be a business owner, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It has given back to me in so many ways. Personally and professionally.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART? The most challenging part has been staying inspired when I’m not where I would like to be financially. Service industry can be tough and unpredictable . There have been many times I thought about getting another job to help support my passion. Especially starting out.

Mr. Finn is the best assistant and running buddy around

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR EXPERIENCE SO FAR? Personal and professional growth. You really have to have the courage and honesty to look at yourself to see your strengthens and weaknesses. Then take action on making the changes necessary to move forward successfully. Also, working with my amazing clients is incredibly rewarding.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF OVER THIS JOURNEY? I have learned to trust myself, put myself out there and to ask for help when needed. I can’t do it alone.

HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO GIVE UP? Yep! Countless times. Especially, the first few years.

WHAT HAS MOTIVATED YOU TO GET THROUGH? Freedom and creativity. It’s my why. I have the freedom to create what is needed and the life I want. There can be a lot of pressure but it’s equally rewarding.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? I get to nurture my passion for health, connect and give back and to the community. I love health, connection and community.

Sherri Davidson and Finn finishing another race

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME? Running and traveling. Houston has a great running community. It’s been a great way to be social and accountable my training. Some people go out for a drink. We meet for a run. I also enjoy traveling. If I can run and travel, it’s the best. This October I am going on a 5 day running adventure in the Faroe Island. It’s eighteen volcanic island in between Iceland and Norway. Super excited!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT HOUSTON? I love the people and diversity but most of all it’s my home. Born and raised. There is no place like home.

WHAT IS SOMETHING REALLY NEAT, FUN, OR QUIRKY ABOUT YOU THAT NO ONE WOULD EVER KNOW WITHOUT YOU TELLING THEM? I like to think I have superpowers. When I was in elementary, I would stare at the clock on the wall to make it fall. Have you ever seen The Men Who Stared at Goats? That’s me except I don’t stare at goats and I have not tried to run through walls.

IF YOU WERE TO GIVE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT OR NEEDING THAT INSPIRATION TO KEEP GOING IN YOUR INDUSTRY, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Know your why. It will give you inspiration and keep you going when the going gets tough.

"Life gets hard. From losing a parent to suicide to hand to mouth living at times. We cant stop, wont stop. Our three daughters are looking at us to be the example of how to fight adversity." - Chicken Mike

"Essentially, we wanted to bottle up the Hamptons and how we feel when we’re out there - relaxed and just enjoying life with the people we love most - and share that with everyone who takes a sip Hampton Water." - Jesse Bongiovi

"After spending many years as a teacher and actress in Los Angeles, I went through some pretty heavy life changes that caused me to really consider what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. I basically just woke up one day and decided I wanted to do something completely different. "